Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2016

Château La Mission Haut-Brion is one of the most esteemed estates in Bordeaux, producing wines of extraordinary depth, complexity, and longevity. Located in Pessac-Léognan, the estate is often considered on par with its neighbouring First Growth, Château Haut-Brion, thanks to its ability to balance power and elegance. The 2016 vintage was one of the greatest in recent history, benefiting from a wet spring followed by an exceptionally warm and dry summer, which led to perfectly ripened grapes and wines with incredible precision, structure, and ageing potential.

Sourced from deep gravel and clay soils, Château La Mission Haut-Brion benefits from excellent drainage and heat retention, which promote slow, even ripening. The vineyard is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, with Merlot often playing a dominant role, contributing richness and plushness to the blend. Aged for 18-24 months in new French oak barrels, this wine gains additional complexity, seamless oak integration, and remarkable refinement.

Appearance: Deep, nearly opaque garnet with brilliant ruby and violet reflections. The core is dense and concentrated, while slow-moving, well-defined legs suggest a wine of immense structure and long-term cellaring potential.

Aroma: Intensely expressive, with aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and ripe plum, interwoven with graphite, cigar box, and polished oak. Layers of tobacco, espresso, and truffle add further complexity, while hints of crushed violets and crushed stone enhance the wine’s refined elegance.

Taste: Expansive and multi-dimensional, this wine delivers an exquisite balance of power and finesse. The palate is dominated by dark fruit, including cassis, blackberry, and mulberry, seamlessly layered with savoury notes of liquorice, cedar, and earthy minerality. The tannins are firm yet exceptionally polished, providing structure while allowing the wine’s vibrant acidity to maintain freshness and energy.

Finish: Exceptionally long and persistent, with lingering notes of dark fruit, graphite, and a delicate smokiness. The tannins leave a finely tuned grip, ensuring this wine will continue to evolve gracefully over the coming decades. Its perfect balance of concentration, freshness, and minerality makes it a standout vintage for La Mission Haut-Brion.

Food Pairing: Grilled venison with a blackcurrant reduction enhances the wine’s bold tannins and dark fruit concentration. Aged duck confit with rosemary and thyme highlights its savoury complexity, while a classic beef Wellington provides a rich yet refined pairing that complements its deep, layered profile